Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Misty Munnar Highlands – October 2011

MNR_335_DSC0198_www.keralapix.comObscure mountain pass.
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All over Munnar, you could see the Tea Mountains stretching as far as the horizon. Winding up through the misty mountains, enjoy the beautiful mountain vista surrounding you. The tea plantations in this area were very impenetrably cultivated.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Idamalayar, Bhoothathankettu, Thattekad & Pooyamkutty – October 2011

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Breathtaking view of the Edamalayar Lake
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Edamalayar Dam surrounded by forests & the View Point
Idamalayar dam is located about 29 kilometers from Kothamangalam town and the Kochi-Munnar National Highway NH49. Bottathankettu dam is on the way to Edamalayar (Bottathankettu to Edamalayar is 18 kilometers). For Thattekad & Pooyamkutty you have to go straight at junction 4 kms before Bhoothathankettu. Thattekad is 7 kms and Pooyamkutty is 23 kms. from this junction. You can have a good one day picnic from Ernakulam / Kochi connecting these places. The elephant Kraal at Kodanad, is also nearby where captured elephants are trained. Edamalayar & Pooyamkutty, contrasting to other tourist spots of Kerala; do not record a ponderous rush of tourists. In the early morning hours and late evenings, elephant’s herds can be spotted along the way and on the banks of the reservoir formed by the creation of Idamalayar dam.
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Local tribe man canoeing a bamboo raft through the reservoir
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There is a cave called "Vaisali" which is about 3 kilometers ascending, which is approachable only by four wheel drive vehicles. An old Malayalam movie Vaisali   was shot here, which is why this cave got its name. 
 

Bhoothathankettu

In Bhoothathankettu, local tribal guides approved by the forest department are available for trekking. Forest near the dam site is safe and large wild animals like elephants or leopards are nonexistent. Families can enjoy a real wilderness here without any fear and have swim or bath in the Periyar River. Always take caution particularly children when taking bath in Periyar as the shutters of  Bhoothathankettu dam can be opened  without any warning at any time by the irrigation department that may result  in sudden rise in water level. Only expert swimmers should attempt to go beyond five feet from the river bank because of strong under currents and possible trenches between slippery rocks on the river bed.
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Thattekad

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Pooyamkutty

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BTE_027_DSC0442_stitch_www.keralapix.com Wide view of jungle stream, Pooyamkutty